Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Concrete Massing With Pixelated Terraces and Acoustic Barriers for Urban Living

Authors:
Anna Armentani, Stefano Eger, Giada Campigotto
Concrete Massing With Pixelated Terraces and Acoustic Barriers for Urban Living

Project in-detail

A building featuring a concrete mass that serves as an acoustic barrier, interconnected with pixelated terraces, enhances urban living by merging privacy and community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a four-module window system for enhanced air and light quality.
02
The structure utilizes concrete massing as a natural sound barrier to reduce urban noise.
03
Pixelated terraces create a unique blend of private and public spaces.
04
The project retrofits underutilized urban areas for increased housing density.
05
Acoustic considerations are central to the living environment, promoting well-being.

The Concrete Island is an architectural initiative that addresses the challenges of urban living through a thoughtful design approach. It focuses on enhancing community interaction and personal privacy within a dense metropolitan setting. The development serves as a residential area, introducing a new way to experience urban life while blending public and private realms.

Private Terraces and Public Integration

By creating private terraces within public spaces, the design aims to redefine boundaries in urban environments. These terraces provide a personal retreat for residents, offering comfort in a busy city. This layout encourages social interaction while maintaining a sense of ownership and seclusion. The project embodies a balance between community engagement and individual needs.

Window Configurations and Natural Ventilation

Another important feature of the design is the change in window configurations. The transition from single-module to four-module windows enhances the flow of natural light and air into living spaces. This approach not only improves visual comfort but also supports the overall health and well-being of residents. Access to fresh air and light is crucial in dense urban settings, making this aspect a significant consideration.

Silence Island and Acoustic Considerations

The design incorporates the notion of a “Silence Island,” where the building's mass functions as a barrier against outside noise. This thoughtful arrangement helps create a quieter living environment, essential for well-being in bustling cities. By mitigating urban sound, the design enhances the overall quality of life for its residents, making it a notable consideration.

Retrofitting Existing Urban Areas

The project actively explores the repurposing of underused urban spaces, such as traffic islands and roundabouts. Transforming these areas into residential opportunities exemplifies efficient land use. It reflects an innovative approach that allows for increased density while fostering a sense of community. This strategy enhances the potential of the urban landscape, making it more livable and accessible.

Concrete as a Defining Material

Concrete is a primary material used throughout the design, connecting it to the principles of brutalism. It serves both structural and aesthetic purposes. The choice of concrete helps to create a cohesive identity for the development. Its durability and texture resonate with the architectural themes of the past while addressing contemporary living needs.

The design places emphasis on large terraces that connect indoor and outdoor living. This feature invites residents to engage with nature and enhances the overall living experience in the Concrete Island.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy